Spadafora-Johan: Wilkins Santiago Plans To Impress
Nov 27, 2013 • 5:34 AM ET
By Tim Kudgis
On November 30th, on the undercard of the interim WBA Jr Welterweight Championship bout between Paul Spadafora (48-0-1) and Johan Perez (17-1-1), highly touted prospect Wilkins Santiago (9-0) will step into the ring against upset specialist Eric Draper (8-6) in a featured bout. Recently Wilkins took some time out of his final preparations to talk to Boxingscene.com about his upcoming bout, his career, plans for 2014, and how his time in prison affected him. Here is what he had to say:
Boxingscene.com: How have preparations been for your upcoming fight with Eric Draper on the Spadafora-Perez under card LIVE on GFL.tv?
Wilkins Santiago: Excellent man, 6 days a week of hard work. Running, at the gym, and pool exercises. The cardio workouts are phenomenal. Ready to get in there and prove that hard work pays off.
Boxingscene.com: What do you know about your opponent Eric Draper?
Wilkins Santiago: He comes with wide shots and has the reach advantage. We have put in the work and I have been doing this a long time. There is nothing I haven't seen in front of me. We are definitely confident in our camp and the tools we have in store for Mr. Draper.
Boxingscene.com: Is there anything he does wrong that you can take advantage of?
Wilkins santiago: Definitely, he's a few inches taller and his jab is sloppy at times. He keeps his hands low and looks comfortable doing it. A lot of double-triple jabs to get inside and pound him with body shots. Wear and tear the legs since he is a few years older as well. The game plan is easy. Execute with hard shots to the body and the head will follow. A lot of angles. I don't want to be a set target to allow him to get off. Execution at all times.
Boxingscene.com: For the fans who aren't familiar with you can you give them a breakdown of your background?
Wilkins Santiago: Well I went 72-9 as an amateur. Fought the best coming up. I fought Ricardo Williams, 2000 Silver Medalist Olympian out of Cincinnati and lost a tight 4-3 split. I fought Tony Hanshaw, Adan Reyes from East LA. I had a controversial loss to 2012 Olympian Terrell Gausha. There were many more. Those were just to name a few.
I'm originally from Chicago, Ill, but was raised in Lorain, Ohio most of my life. I am a proud father of 4 boys, who are my pride and joy. I am living and pursuing my dream of being world champ. Their names are Xavier, Wilkins Jr., D'Angelo and Angelo.
I am a redemption story. I was a kid who side tracked into the street life of drugs and did a 5 year stint in prison. I always believed in myself and my higher power made me who I am today! All things are possible with a little faith and hard work. If i can just touch one kid out there before he falls into the same type of situation I fell into then I already consider myself a world champ. The kids are the future and my heart is with each and every one of them.
I am currently 9-0 ready to be 10-0 on the 30th thanks to my team! Scott Neal, Freddie, Steven Shneid my cut man, and Sammy Aponte for believing in me! Last but not least, Eddie Gonzales for all of the hard work he puts in for me. Above all my fans, family, kids and the most high for allowing me each day to take another breath of life and pursue my passion, the Art of Boxing.
Boxingscene.com: Do you feel your time in prison helped mold you into the dedicated fighter you are today?
Wilkins Santiago: Most definitely but more importantly my kids. They give me the drive to be the best I can be at everything I do in this lifetime. I wanna be their inspiration.
Boxingscene.com: With a victory on Saturday to finish out 2013, what do you think 2014 has in store for you?
Wilkins Santiago: I plan on having an active year with a lot of fights. Allowing Roy Jones Jr & TNT promotions to guide me in the right direction and possibly towards a title shot. The key is to remain focused, determined, and motivated on what is in front of me.
My family, my girl, my kids and my fans are those who drive me each day to keep pushing towards success. I always reflect back to that special year in 1989 when I walked into the gym and seen the beauty of boxing with my very own eyes. To envision what I went through in between only makes me want it even more in 2014.
Boxingscene.com: What fighters do you have your sights set on in 2014?
Wilkins Santiago: There's been talks in the camp such as Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz.
Boxingscene.com: Do you believe your ready for a big step up in competition like Berto or Ortiz?
Wilkins Santiago: I'm not a manufactured fighter built up through a promotion. I am willing to go into any man's backyard if he has a title for me to take at my weight class. I don't care where I fight and who I fight as long as there is a canvas, some ropes, put me in front of a crowd and I'm at home. I'm that type of fighter that lets my hands do the talking.
Boxingscene.com: In the main event, Paul Spadafora will take on Johan Perez for the interim WBA title. What is your prediction on that outcome?
Wilkins Santiago: Well my man is Paulie. He is real technical and has great angles. If he can get inside and rip body shots on top of the angles I think he can walk away with a decision. On the other hand, Johan is tough and strong. Paulie, being the older fighter, has to be smart in there and accurate with his shots. He has to take away from Perez's power.
I don't like to do predictions. Paulie is my brother. I eat, sleep, and have done this boxing with him. I am honored to work with a future champ. Let's just say he is going to be ready for whatever.
Boxingscene.com: Since Paul has also had his career delayed by legal troubles, but put himself back in line for a title shot, does that provide inspiration for you?
Wilkins Santiago: Most definitely, as well as B-Hop!
Boxingscene.com: What can fans live in attendance and watching at home around the world LIVE on GFL.tv expect from you Saturday night?
Wilkins Santiago: July 4th....Thanksgiving weekend, bombs, and fireworks going off in that ring! It's time to bag this turkey.
Boxingscene.com: Thank you for your time Wilkins. Is there anything that you would like to add?
Wilkins Santiago: I just want to say thanks to everyone who has believed in me since Day 1. All praises to the almighty for the strength he has given me to continue to push forward for what I want. Also, to the kids and youth out there, always believe in yourself and in the potential one has. Last but not least, my fans for supporting me each fight. Victory! Special thanks to Boxingscene.com for their time.
Wilkin's bout is presented by the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in association with Roy Jones Jr. Presents, Golden Boy Promotions & TNT Promotions. Tickets can be purchased at Mountaineer Casino’s Players Club in person or by calling 1-800-804-0468 Ext. 8297 or online at www.MOREatMountaineer.com or www.Etix.com .
For those who can not be in attendance for this incredible night of fights, you can watch the entire event from start to finish LIVE WORLDWIDE on GFL.tv! Click the link below for more info:
